Dr. Stephen E. Ruegger, associate professor of criminal justice and public safety leadership, has represented Mercer University as a member of Metropol since 2013 and nominated Johnson for the scholarship.

"Ryan is a hard-working member of the criminal justice community, and I can think of no better reward or recognition for his hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Ruegger. “Because he is both a student and a criminal justice professional, Ryan seems to be a perfect fit the Metropol Continuing Education Scholarship. He is adding academic knowledge and proficiency to his real-world experience in criminal justice."

Johnson, from Baltimore, Maryland, began working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2004. Two years later, he enrolled in the University of Maryland’s homeland security management program. During his employment with TSA at Dulles International Airport, he met his spouse, Chaundra. They relocated to her hometown of Atlanta, and in 2014, he enrolled at Mercer, where he would make both the president’s and dean’s list.

Currently residing in the Kirkwood neighborhood, Johnson remains employed with TSA at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He was elected vice chairman of Neighborhood Planning Unit-O (NPU-O) and selected to attend the FBI Citizens Academy, where he would go on to join the Atlanta FBI Citizen Academy Alumni Association, supporting community education on security initiatives and FBI outreach-sponsored programs. Recently, he represented NPUs M-R on the Atlanta Citizen Review Board. He also has volunteered at the Carter Center, assisting with records management.

Atlanta Metropol Inc. is incorporated for the purpose of bringing together representatives of professional law enforcement and private security for their mutual benefit. Members include individuals serving in leadership positions at the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies within the greater metropolitan Atlanta area, as well as leaders in corporate security operations and other professional organizations within the area.

Penfield College offers an undergraduate degree in criminal justice leadership in Atlanta, Macon, McDonough, Lithia Springs and online. An undergraduate degree in homeland security and emergency management is offered 100 percent online. The Master of Science in criminal justice and public safety leadership is offered 100 percent online and is designed for professionals in the field of criminal justice who are seeking career advancement.

About Penfield College of Mercer University

Penfield College of Mercer University, established as the College of Continuing and Professional Studies in 2003, is committed to serving non-traditional learners and currently enrolls more than 1,300 students. Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered to working adult learners seeking professional advancement into leadership roles in and beyond their communities. Educational programs provide students with distinctive, multidisciplinary programs that integrate theory and practice. The College offers general education and elective courses for various colleges and schools at Mercer. Another initiative called the Bridge program transitions students enrolled in Mercer’s English Language Institute and other international students to undergraduate programs throughout the University. Areas of study include organizational leadership, counseling, human services, human resources, informatics, criminal justice leadership, nursing preparation, liberal studies, psychology, communication, homeland security and emergency management, and healthcare leadership. Programs are offered on Mercer’s campuses in Atlanta and Macon, as well as multiple regional academic centers in Douglas County, Henry County and Newnan, and online. To learn more, visit penfield.mercer.edu.